oakland came up on top, with 86% completion rate. and then the federal aid the students could get. >> in federal aid, putting together, you could be missing out on $17,000 on aid. and we're not talking about loans that need to be repaid. what we're talking about are grants to go to college that you never have to repay. >> taking a minute or so to finish up. >> reporter: these students at east palo alto are making sure they tap into all of their resources. their school boasts a college culture, and last year, 75% of seniors applied for financial aid. what is more, they're enrolled in college spring, a free program that coaches them on how to apply for financial aid. >> i'm going to do my best to turn everything in as soon as possible. >> reporter: but in california, where budget cuts have left fewer high school counselors on the job, the result is more students with less guidance. >> we should be involved helping the students, and giving them access to the scholarships. because there are so many that go unclaimed every year, and that